
14.4% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 476,627 current smokers in Congo
28.2% of men are current smokers but only 0.8% of women
Smoking in Congo
Current smoking prevalence trends in the general population in Congo shows one of the steepest increases amongst the WHO smoking prevalence trend data. Overall the prevalence was around 6% in 2000; this has risen to 24% in 2015 and is projected to increase further to around 49% by 2025. This increase has been driven almost entirely by men's smoking prevalence, which shows a dramatic increase from 10% in 2000 to 47% in 2015, with a further increase to 97% by 2025 if trends continue unabated. The women's current smoking prevalence trend remains low and flat, between 1.6% and 1.8%, between 2000 and the projection to 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
1,625
Deaths
1625 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Congo.
14.4%
tobacco smoking
Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is 14.4%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Congo
In Congo, there is no law regulating e-cigarettes specifically. However, according to the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic (2022), there are no general bans on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS).
Despite this, advertising of ENDS is banned, and the minimum age for purchasing ENDS is 18 years. Additionally, ENDS use is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport.
For the latest updates specifically regarding e-cigarette regulations in Congo, the GSTHR team welcomes any new insights.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Congo
Congo does not have any specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), including their sale, purchase, or importation for personal use. If you have any relevant and accurate information, kindly share it with the GSTHR team.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Congo
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed in Congo. As a result, it is legal to sell and use NRT products, and purchasing them without a prescription is permitted. Although these products are not regulated as medicinal products, they are available in pharmacies throughout the country. The government does not provide financial support for NRT, as the products are not included on the country's essential drugs list. In Congo you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT.
Snus
in Congo
There are no online sources to give information regarding the specific regulatory status of snus in Congo, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Congo
There are no available sources indicating specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Congo, including their sale, purchase, use, or import for personal use. If you have relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.